Dahlia Legacy Project

By the Federation of Northwest Dahlia Growers

Mastering Dahlia Showmanship: Insights from Our Summer Workshop

This summer, the Federation of Northwest Dahlia Growers came together for a summer workshop at the Bellevue Botanical Garden. We delved into strategies aimed at enhancing our competitive edge for the upcoming show season. Join us as we reflect on our enriching experiences, recount valuable insights, and provide essential tips to help you gear up for a successful show season ahead.

Baskets entry demo: 


Debbie Wetmore took us on her inspiring journey into the art of basket creation, where her captivating demonstration unveiled the secrets to crafting stunning baskets and achieving success as a top competitor. 

Debbie unraveled the art of creating stunning floral baskets for exhibitions with a clear set of rules that ensure your entries shine.

In the world of basketry competitions, there’s flexibility: no strict minimum number of blooms required unless stated otherwise. The key is balance — the number of blooms should harmonize with the size of your basket, ensuring a pleasing visual proportion. Here’s a fun fact: you’re not obligated to pair your blooms with leaves! Feel free to explore various greens to complement your arrangement.

Variety is the spice of life in basketry classes. You have the freedom to showcase one or more types of blooms, allowing for creativity and diversity in your entries. To wow the judges, aim for a balanced mix of blooms. In mixed baskets, aim for at least three blooms of each type or size to create a harmonious display.

And don’t forget the handle! It’s a must-have for all baskets. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or a budding enthusiast, these guidelines ensure your baskets meet the criteria for top-notch displays in floral competitions. Get ready to unleash your creativity and craft baskets that captivate!

For those eager to delve deeper into the specifics, please refer to The Federation of Northwest Dahlia Growers website. You’ll find valuable insights into the basket scorecard, detailing criteria that contribute to achieving top scores in competitive exhibitions.

Underwater Design

Dive into the world of underwater floral design with Jean Pass from the Puget Sound Dahlia Association, who treated us to an exceptional demonstration that unlocks the secrets of creating stunning underwater arrangements for competition.

Crafting underwater floral arrangements is a captivating and intricate art, particularly in competitive settings where creativity and technical finesse are paramount. Here’s a breakdown of essential tips to consider when preparing your own underwater floral displays for shows:

Selection of Flowers and Foliage: Choose dahlias and foliage that are sturdy and can withstand being submerged in water for extended periods. Avoid delicate blooms that might wilt quickly underwater.

Preparation and Conditioning: Before placing flowers underwater, condition them properly. Remove excess foliage that could decay underwater and cloud the water. Cut stems at an angle and ensure they are hydrated to maximize their longevity underwater.

Container Selection: Use clear glass or acrylic containers to showcase the underwater arrangement effectively. The transparency of the container allows judges and viewers to see the full composition of flowers and foliage submerged underwater.

Water and Additives: Use distilled water or treated tap water to prevent the growth of bacteria and algae, which can cloud the water and affect the appearance of the arrangement. Optionally, floral preservatives can be added to extend the life of the flowers underwater.

Design and Composition: Plan your arrangement carefully, considering the visibility and movement of flowers underwater. Create depth and interest by placing taller stems towards the back and shorter ones towards the front. Utilize the natural buoyancy of flowers to create a flowing and organic look.

Stabilization: Ensure that your arrangement is stable and balanced within the container. Use floral frogs, pebbles, or other weights at the bottom of the container to anchor stems and prevent them from floating.

Judging Criteria: It’s crucial to grasp the specific criteria and rules governing these competitions. Judges evaluate not just creativity and design principles but also your technical skill and overall presentation. Remember, these arrangements are horticultural entries, emphasizing the beauty and natural characteristics of each bloom. Similarly, in the basket section, where horticulture takes center stage, showcasing each bloom with precision is paramount. This focus ensures that every aspect of your arrangement contributes to its overall impact and meets the rigorous standards of competitive judging. Get ready to showcase your floral mastery and passion in every petal and stem!

Practice and Innovation: Practice creating underwater arrangements before the competition to refine your technique and experiment with different flowers, containers, and designs. Innovation in presentation and design can set your arrangement apart in the competition.

Staging Multi-Blooms

Ryan and Al delivered a compelling PowerPoint presentation, guiding us through the art of staging multiple dahlia blooms for competitions. Whether you’re seasoned or new to competing, achieving a competitive edge hinges on meticulous attention to detail, precise presentation, and a deep understanding of judging criteria. Here are key insights and practical tips to enhance your dahlia staging skills:

Selecting Blooms: Choose dahlia blooms that are uniform in size, shape, and color to create a cohesive and visually appealing display. 

Choosing Containers: Select an appropriate container that complements the size and color of your dahlia blooms. The container should not distract from the blooms but rather enhance their presentation. 

Arranging Blooms: Arrange the dahlia blooms in a balanced and symmetrical manner within the container. Consider the natural shape and form of each bloom to create a harmonious composition. Place taller stems towards the back and shorter ones towards the front to create depth and visual interest.

Spacing and Balance: Ensure there is adequate spacing between each bloom to allow them to be individually appreciated. Avoid overcrowding, which can detract from the overall presentation. Balance the distribution of blooms evenly within the container.

Presentation: Presentation is key! When arranging your dahlia blooms, make sure each one is positioned strategically within the container, typically a black one. Highlight the best side or face of each bloom so judges and viewers get the full impact. Angle them just right to show off their beautiful form and intricate details—let your blooms shine!

Color Harmony: If staging multiple varieties of dahlia blooms, ensure there is a pleasing color harmony or contrast. Group blooms with complementary colors or shades to create visual impact.

Judging Criteria: Familiarize yourself with the specific judging criteria for dahlia competitions, which may include factors such as bloom quality, size, form, color, and overall presentation. Tailor your staging to highlight the strengths of your blooms according to these criteria.

Practice and Refinement: Practice staging your dahlia blooms before the competition to refine your arrangement skills. Experiment with different arrangements and seek feedback from experienced growers or judges to improve your presentation.

Staging multiple dahlia blooms for competitions is both an art and a science, requiring careful planning and execution. By following these tips and considering the nuances of presentation, you can create stunning displays that showcase the beauty and diversity of dahlia blooms effectively in competitive shows.

Resources:

Complete show rules and general horticultural classes for all affiliated society shows.

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